THE END of Robert Mugabe’s 37-year presidency will be the start of a new chapter for Zimbabwe and will transform the country, according to Britain’s Africa minister.

Rory Stewart conceded that "nothing with Mugabe was inconceivable" after the Zimbabwean president refused to step down despite his Zanu-PF ruling party demanding his resignation.

The party is set to impeach Mugabe after accusing him of showing disrespect for the rule of law and blaming him for an “unprecedented economic tailspin” over the past 15 years.

The 93-year-old leader’s days have been numbered since last week’s military intervention, which came in response to Mugabe’s sacking of vice president Emmerson Mnangagwa.

It had been feared that Mugabe’s 52-year-old wife Grace would succeed her husband as leader, but Mr Mnangagwa is now expected to take over in the coming days.

Mr Stewart described Mugabe’s 37-year rule as a “brutal tragedy” for Zimbabwe but Mr Mnangagwa’s desire to take power in a way that was "constitutional and legal" could give the opportunity to have fair elections.

Mugabe resigns: Zimbabwe celebrates end of an era

Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe has resigned from his post as President of Zimbabwe, who has ruled the country for 37 years

Supporters of Zimbabwe's former vice president Emmerson Mnangagwa await his arrival in Harare

AFP

Mugabe's failure to resign during yesterday's televised speech shocked millions across the world

Mugabe was a tragedy, a brutal tragedy, for that country

Rory Stewart

"This is one of the most educated populations in Africa, it has got fantastic potential in its natural resources and if Zimbabwe set off on a better path, if its economy recovered, if it genuinely had some political freedom, that would have an incredible ripple effect across the region and be a huge example for Africa."

Mugabe had been expected to announce his resignation in a televised speech last night, but instead told viewers he would continue to preside over his party at a congress next month.

In a rambling 30-minute address, Mugabe insisted he was going nowhere in an announcement that stunned people across the world.

GETTY

Zimbabweans have come out across the country to demand the resignation of Robert Mugabe

Meanwhile, the leader of Zimbabwe's war veterans, Chris Mutsvangwa, said he would initiate court action to legalise the military action against Mugabe after the army seized power last Wednesday.